Etihad Airways celebrates its Emirati heritage

Etihad Airways has introduced a range of limited edition artisanal amenity kits for its guests travelling on longhaul services to and from its home base Abu Dhabi.

The new products reflect the airline’s deep
cultural attachment to the rich and diverse traditions of the United Arab
Emirates.

For the new kits, Etihad Airways has partnered with
Sougha, a social enterprise initiative launched by the Khalifa Fund for
Enterprise Development, which aims to preserve Emirati traditions and promote
local artisans.

The new amenity bags will be offered in Diamond
First, Pearl Business and Coral Economy cabins and feature patterns of Sadou, a
colourful, intricate and centuries-old Abu Dhabi weaving craft.

These patterns are based on designs traditionally
used on blankets, cushions and Bedouin tents.

Etihad Airways and Sougha have drawn their
inspiration for the kits from these fine textile works and have translated them
into modern products which are both functional and stylish in design,
reflecting the current trends in fashion yet tapping into the rich and complex
tapestry of traditional Emirati craftsmanship.

Sougha, which translates as ‘a traveller’s gift’ in
Arabic, is an initiative which seeks out skilled local men and women across the
UAE and gives them a platform from which to develop and find new markets for
their craft.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer
Etihad Airways, said: “We want our guests to experience the colourful and
ancient culture of the UAE – a culture which is inherently part of our identity
as the national airline of this diverse nation. These new kits not only enhance
the Etihad guest experience, but are also a souvenir of the cultural traditions
of this country and a way of supporting local craftsmanship.”

“The
Khalifa Fund’s Sougha initiative, with more than 400 female Emirati members,
has become an efficient and practical socio-economic programme focusing on
traditional crafts. This skill-developing project seeks to promote the diverse
artistic heritage of the United Arab Emirates by empowering women in their
families and local community. We are delighted to have the support of Etihad Airways
in this endeavor,” said His Excellency Ibrahim Ahmad Al Mansoori, Chairman of
Sougha and COO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

Diamond First Class kits will feature exclusive
products by luxury New York brand Le Labo, while Pearl Business Class kits will
feature all-natural products by Athens based Korres.